Big Valley Seniors Softball League

Before last Saturday I don’t remember ever using the words “Senior” and “Softball” in the same sentence. However, when I arrived at Lodi’s Chapman Field at 9:30 am to take photographs of the Big Valley Seniors Softball League Tournament, the first game was nearly over and two more teams of gentlemen between the ages of 65 and 90 were grabbing their bats and gloves. Camera in hand, I asked if anyone knew where I could find the most handsome player. 12 men raised their hand. One gentleman told me his right side was his “good” side … another yelled out that he didn’t have a “good” side. I knew then that I could work with these guys.

Actually, it was inspirational. In just a few hours in 90 degree heat I saw determined men in their 70’s and 80’s run the bases like high school kids, third basemen catch line drives, outfielders make running catches, and that big yellow ball clear the center field fence at least 6 times. If you want to be inspired, play starts every March (through September), twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays at 6:00 pm at Chapman Field on Stockton St. next to the Grape Bowl. (Website: http://bigvalleyseniorsoftball.org )